3. Landon Collins, Strong Safety, New York Giants

Last season, Landon Collins was remembered for dropping a surefire game winning interception against the New England Patriots, a mistake that cost the Giants the football game.

12 months later, and Collins is revered as arguably the best strong safety in the NFL. The second year Alabama product put together as a good a season we’ve ever seen from a defensive back, a performance that garnered him Pro Bowl and 1st Team All Pro nods, as well as Pro Football Focus’ Breakout Player of the Season. He will also receive consideration for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

https://youtu.be/_cEXuNyBUJA

Despite all three of Jerry Reese‘s big money free agent signings panning out tremendously well, it is Collins that was the best player on the defense that surrendered the second fewest points in the NFL.

He is the first player to ever have a stat line of 100 tackles, 12 passes defensed, five interceptions and two sacks. He finished second among safeties in tackles (125), first in sacks, second in interceptions, and tied for first in passes defensed. Oh, and he’s only 22.

.@CarlBanksGIII goes inside the film room for an X's and O's look at @TheHumble_21's breakout season!

WATCH: https://t.co/mfXLUHRBPu pic.twitter.com/AwyJDEzaBM

— New York Giants (@Giants) January 27, 2017

Collins might turn into the NFL’s best defensive back in a year or two. His breakout season more than warrants his spot in the top three. And honestly, if it wasn’t for the second best players career body of work compared to Collins one breakout season, he may even have been number two on this list.